Volume 1, Issue 16 – November 20, 2002

“A Newsletter Published by Bike Pittsburgh to establish Pittsburgh as a city that is increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation.”

In This Issue:

* Two New Sections On Bike Pittsburgh Website
* Have You Taken The Surveys?
* End-Of-Year Rides & Events
* Contributions To Bike Pittsburgh

TWO NEW SECTIONS ON BIKE PITTSBURGH WEBSITE

We’ve added two new sections to our website: “Act Now!” and “Hot Updates”.

You can currently find information about your local Pittsburgh District Representatives, and how to contact them regarding cycling issues within Pittsburgh in the new “Act Now!” section. This section will always contain items that you can do something about “right now”.

If you’re a frequent visitor to the site, you’ll notice that we’re adding new events, information, and links almost daily (yes, even as we approach Winter!). For a quick overview of the most important updates to the site since the last time you visited, check out the “Hot Updates” section of the website.

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE SURVEYS?

There are two quick surveys currently posted on the Bike Pittsburgh (www.Bike-Pgh.org) website. The first concerns a proposed communal bike system, and is being conducted by two CMU Seniors. Please help them to make this project proposal a success! If you haven’t been to the Bike Pittsburgh website lately, you’ll find this short survey right on the home page.

The second survey is especially for those of you who bike to work, or are interested in biking to work. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Transportation Management Association (TMA) is trying to identify Downtown employees who bicycle to work for a possible bike project in 2003. If you bike to work on a semi-regular basis, please email Lucinda at (lbeattie@downtownpittsburgh.com) with your name, building or company address, and email address.

END-OF-YEAR RIDES & EVENTS

Some of us just can’t get enough. Perhaps you’re just like Calvin’s father (from the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip) – the person who goes out for a ride in Winter, comes back caked in snow, and has a huge smile on their face. If this is you, read on:

November 22nd – Light-Up Night Ride

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen (www.wpwbikeclub.org). We revived the annual Light-Up Night Ride last year and it was a great success. We kept to the new riverfront trails for the most part and avoided the Downtown Pittsburgh crowds and traffic gridlock. The weather cooperated nicely with a clear 57-degree night. As of this writing the schedule of events is not set but here is the rough game plan. We will meet at the Golden Triangle Bicycle Rental shop on the Eliza Furnace Trail, (a.k.a. Jail Trail), by the First Avenue Parking Garage. The ride leaves promptly at 7:00pm. The ride will cover about 12 miles. Most of it will be on riverfront trails, but we will also be traveling on city streets. The exact route and mileage will be determined by the weather. If the weather is really lousy, we will forget the bikes and walk to the Downtown Light Up Night events from the bike rental shop.

PLEASE NOTE: Riding at night is dangerous. Only experienced riders should attend and all riders must have lights according to the PA Vehicle Code (which is a white light or steady or flashing, on the front of the bike, and a blinking red light on the rear). In the event of rain the streets and trails will, of course, be slippery.

For more information call George Schmidt at (412) 521-1538 or email: (twoschmidts@peoplepc.com)

Event Day: Friday, November 22nd
Event Location: Golden Triangle Bicycle Rentals (by First Avenue Station)
Event Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $FREE

November 23rd – Women’s Beginner Mountain Bike Ride

This event is sponsored by P.O.R.C. (www.porcmtbclub.org). Come out for a pleasant ride through Boyce Park where women can learn together the basic techniques of mountain biking: shifting gears, controlling your speed, descending and ascending hills, steering around tight bends, crossing small creeks and logs, plus simply feeling comfortable on your bike. Don’t worry; we’ll follow easy trails for the most part. Obstacles will be sought for learning opportunities only!

For more information call Janet Snyder via email: (janets@stargate.net)

Event Day: Saturday, November 23rd
Event Location: Boyce Park
Event Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Cost: $FREE

November 24th – Trail Maintenance: Moraine State Park Bike Trails

This event is sponsored by Butler Outdoors (www.ButlerOutdoors.com). Want to help fix up the mountain bike trails in Moraine? P.O.R.C. (The Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists) will be working on the trail. If you are interested, call Bob Tait at (724) 368-3709 or email: (info@ButlerOutdoors.com). Visit (www.ButlerOutdoors.com) for other events and more details. If you know anyone who might be interested pass this along!

Event Day: Sunday, November 24th
Event Location: Moraine State Park
Event Time: Call: (724) 368-3709 or email: (info@ButlerOutdoors.com)
Cost: $FREE

November 30th – Urban Trail Ride

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Pittsburgh has bike trails along all three rivers–really!–but it takes a knowledgeable guide to connect them smoothly. You can expect a great tour of the city and its riverfronts with plenty of interesting stops along the way. Bring a daypack, water and lunch. For more information, visit (http://www.wpfi.org/activities-wpfi.htm#start) or call (412) 255-0564.

Event Day: Saturday, November 30th
Event Location: Washington’s Landing – Park in the first lot on the left
Event Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: $10 members, $12 non-members, Kids $5

December 1st – 13th Annual Dirt Rag Punk Bike Enduro

This event is sponsored by P.O.R.C. (www.porcmtbclub.org) and Dirt Rag Magazine (www.dirtragmag.com). P.O.R.C and Dirt Rag present: The 13th annual Punk Bike Enduro. Sunday, December 1st, 2002. at 10 am sharp at the Dorseyville Fire Hall in Dorseyville, Pennsylvania.

This is an 8 to 10 stage stage race for fun and points. The most points wins. Categories include: Overall, Women and Junior. No fees, no NORBA, no rules. Eats & party after it’s all over. You bring the eats, (or go hungry). A kitchen is available; beer provided by Penn Brewery.

Also note that if you’re not the “racing type”, this event is still open to you! The course is about 20 miles, and should be nothing but fun!

Course volunteers needed, please call! (See number below)… Dress for cold, wet weather; you might wear a helmet as there is no insurance.

Phone: (412) 767-9910 to register, or get directions. Be ready for anything.

On Sunday November 24th and Saturday November 30th there will be Trail Maintenance/Volunteer Pre-Rides. Meet at 10:00am at Dirt Rag Magazine (call for directions…).

Event Day: Sunday, December 1st
Event Location: Dorseyville Fire Hall, Dorseyville, Pennsylvania
Event Time: 10:00am
Cost: $FREE

CONTRIBUTIONS TO BIKE PITTSBURGH

Recently, The Western Pennsylvania Wheelemen (www.wpwbikeclub.org) gave a sizeable contribution to Bike Pittsburgh. The Wheelmen support Bike Pittsburgh’s mission to establish Pittsburgh as a city that is increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation, and we’re looking for more like-minded individuals or organizations that share our goal.

Please consider making a contribution and joining Bike Pittsburgh. You can become a Full Member of Bike Pittsburgh for just $12. We’re currently filing for non-profit 501(c)(3) status with the IRS; upon granting of non-profit status, contributions made during the application process generally become retroactively tax-deductible.

For details on how to become a Full Member, simply point your web browser to: http://www.Bike-Pgh.org and go to the “Become A Member!” section.

“The Spokesman” is an occasional newsletter of Bike Pittsburgh, Inc. Bike Pittsburgh, Inc. does not rent, sell, or make available any personal information, including email addresses, that you may send to Bike Pittsburgh. If you would like to be removed from the distribution list, simply email: remove@bike-pgh.org and request to be removed. free ringtones 2pacringtone free 2285 nokiaringtone 5200 lgalltel ringtone audiovox3g ringtone converterringtones 61337250i ringtonesringtone agent spy secret Map